Serendipity's Secret (Melanie) novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64 

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“It’s nothing. I was just asking. If there’s nothing else, you should leave now. I’m tired. I want to sleep,” Tanner replied to Sophie. 

He leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes, showing that he didn’t want to continue the conversation. 

Sophie barely got a few words in before Tanner dismissed her. She felt tears welling up but was afraid that continuing would only push him further away. 

“May I look for you tomorrow?” she asked. 

However, Tanner didn’t respond. Sophie didn’t know if he was asleep or simply didn’t hear her. With no choice left, she reluctantly left. 

She had spent so much time getting ready, but Tanner hadn’t even given her a second glance. The thought made her heart ache even more. 

When she returned home, her family was already back. 

Sapphire had a sour expression on her face. On her way back from work, she had run into several people chatting outside. 

She’d only paused briefly, but some immediately started with snide remarks, hinting at her with veiled comments. 

They implied that if they had a better family background, they wouldn’t let their daughter–in–law be out there opening a business. 

Some suggested that being a teacher or a doctor would be far more respectable, while others chimed in that they wouldn’t allow their daughters–in–law to take on such an occupation. 

They insinuated that working in a boutique might expose her to unsavory characters, leaving her vulnerable to unwanted advances. 

Sapphire could barely maintain her by the time she got home, so she just walked in with a dark expression. 

When she got back, she vented about the gossip to her husband. Luca frowned and advised her not to let it get to her. After all, those women just loved to gossip. 

Melanie was doing well and making money, which was considered an achievement. 

In fact, regardless of her job, the women would always look down on her, labeling her as a country bumpkin who didn’t belong. 

At dinner, Sapphire brought it up again, She suggested that Melanie should consider transferring the boutique to someone else to manage. She offered to arrange a job for Melanie at her workplace instead. 

Melanie had always thought Sapphire was easygoing, so she was annoyed when Sapphire mentioned closing the store again, especially since business was going so 

well. 

However, she didn’t want to create conflict. So, she discreetly kicked Edward under the table. 

Edward set his fork down and said, “Mom, don’t just jump to conclusions. No matter what we do, you can’t silence the gossipers. Melanie’s store is doing well and making a decent profit. Closing it down wouldn’t make sense.” 

Melanie felt a surge of satisfaction. Edward was proving to be useful, after all. 

At this moment, Felicia chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. “Edward, Mom does have a point. Your work is unique, and our family has a scholarly reputation. Running a business could affect our public image.” 

Yaeger, as usual, played dumb and kept silent, focusing on his meal. 

Ultimately, Edward held firm against the pressure and defended Melanie’s boutique. Although Sapphire was displeased, she didn’t want to upset Edward, so she kept quiet. 

After dinner, Melanie sincerely thanked Edward for his support, 

1. le. leave 

Life with the Grayson family wasn’t easy, with all the strict rules. She thought she could always leave if it ever became unbearable. After all, if her store thrived, she wouldn’t have to worry about money. She could buy a place of her own if needed. 

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